Cutting inside and doing... nothing... appears to be the sum of Townsend's game and both Aaron Lennon and Erik Lamela look far better options.

“It has not been the best of years in terms of injuries and form and it will be nice to put this year behind me," Townsend said recently.

“I want to start afresh next year and try to show the form when I first broke into the team by getting fully fit."

That might have to be at a different club.

Killer Kane needs a killer partner

A Spurs man who did deliver against Manchester United, however, was the in-form Harry Kane once again. The 21-year-old worked exceptionally hard, showed skill and flair in abundance and created chances from very difficult positions.

All Kane needs now is a poacher in and alongside him. It's clear neither Emmanuel Adebayor nor Roberto Soldado can play that role - so who can?

Fantastic Fazio

At the other end, Federico Fazio gave another commanding display for Tottenham against Manchester United, having formed a very cohesive partnership with Jan Vertonghen.

Tackles Won

Interceptions Won

Effective Clearances

Aerial Duels Won

Minutes Played

Vlad Chiriches

5

2

2

1

90

Ben Davies

4

3

3

0

90

Federico Fazio

3

4

8

10

90

As Opta stats show, Fazio won three tackles, made four interceptions and made eight clearances. Vlad Chiriches and Ben Davies also fared well in these areas - but look how dominant Fazio was in the air. The Spurs man is looking good right now.

It doesn't get any easier - but there is hope

Tottenham's next Premier League fixture is a home clash with Chelsea, meaning any positives they will have taken from the Manchester United draw will soon be forgotten if they don't reproduce them against the Blues.

But there is certainly hope based on today's game. The north London side look much more composed both up front and at the back. And, with Jose Mourinho's men having drawn at Southampton, Tottenham are certainly not without a chance.

If Mauricio Pochettino can keep the results up, however, the north London side can realistically push further. They are now only five points off Manchester United and two off fourth-placed Southampton.

Tim Poole

Tim Poole is a sports journalist for HITC with a love of football, tennis and snooker in particular.His career to date has seen him speak to former Manchester United boss David Moyes, interview snooker world champion Mark Selby and be snubbed by Premier League managers and players in more than one language!He is a massive Roger Federer fan and lives by the motto that 'sport is life.' When he's not writing about it, he's playing it, be it football, tennis, basketball, badminton, table tennis, darts, snooker, golf or even water polo. He is better at some than others...